Some BWI flights delayed after 'security investigation'

The Maryland Fire Marshal’s office responded to an unfounded bomb threat at BWI Marshall Airport early Tuesday morning, which prompted the shutdown of two security checkpoints and caused major airline delays.

Around 1 a.m., a suspect claimed they had a bomb inside of a carry-on bag. Bomb squad technicians performed an X-Ray of the bag, which produced an image that showed what looked like a potential hand grenade, said fire marshal’s office spokesman Bruce Bouch. A robot was deployed and found nothing dangerous in the bag.

The Maryland Transportation Authority Police took a suspect into custody. The person has not been charged, and the investigation remains ongoing, said police spokesman Lt. Kevin Ayd.

BWI officials evacuated and closed the A and B checkpoints Tuesday morning “out of an abundance of precaution and safety,” said airport spokeswoman Whitney Kidd. The investigation lasted about five hours, Bouch said.